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News

Washington Hospital Receives National Honor

October 30, 2012

Washington Hospital has been honored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) with its Bronze Medal of Honor for its work to reduce the number of people waiting for an organ or tissue transplant.

"The patient first ethic drives our actions, which is why supporting transplant donation is an important part of what we do as a community hospital," said Nancy Farber, Chief Executive Officer of Washington Hospital Healthcare System. "This recognition was achieved because of our dedicated team of physicians, nurses and all other caregivers who understand the value of organ and tissue donation to help give the gift of life."

California Transplant Donor Network, which works with hospitals on organ and tissue donation in Northern California, joined in the recognition for that effort.

"CTDN is pleased to share in recognizing Washington Hospital. What we see each day in working with them is a commitment to the idea that lives are saved and improved through organ and tissue donation. It is great to see this recognition for Washington Hospital at a national level," said Cindy Siljestrom, Chief Executive Officer for CTDN.

About 10,000 people are waiting for organs alone in the area served by CTDN. Last year, after all possible measures to save their lives had been exhausted, Washington referred 40 patients as possible donors. As a result, four people became donors, and 11 organs were recovered. Also, there were 16 tissue donors at the hospital in 2011.

Eight people potentially can be saved through a single organ donor, and that same donor can improve the lives of more than 50 people through tissue donation.